B&R, a unit of ABB, is fully integrating ABB’s robots with the rest of its industrial automation offerings, providing a unified interface and development environment.
China robotics outlook: A state of the industry 2019
In this first part of a two-part look at the China robotics scene, the managing director for Asia at STM Stieler updates his observations by looking at causes for the manufacturing slowdown and discussing robot leaders.
6 ways robotics can help close manufacturing’s talent gap
Collaborative robots, mobile platforms, autonomous trucks, and even drones can help manufacturers respond to the widening talent gap and improve workforce opportunities.
Mobile YuMi robot demos future of healthcare robotics
ABB today opened its first global healthcare research hub on the Texas Medical Center (TMC) campus, in Houston, Texas. ABB showcased a number of concept technologies, including a mobile YuMi robot that assists with laboratory and logistics tasks in hospitals. The dual-arm, mobile YuMi will be able to sense and navigate its way around its…
ABB introduces PickMaster Twin robotic picking software
ABB Robotics launched the third generation of its PickMaster robotic software for vision-guided random flow picking and packing applications for the digital Factory of the Future. The new PickMaster Twin software is equipped with digital twin technology for the first time, to shorten commissioning times from days to hours and cut changeover periods from hours…
ABB cobots to be used in non-surgical healthcare systems
ABB announced today that it will introduce collaborative robots to medical laboratories as it opens a new healthcare hub at the Texas Medical Center (TMC) innovation campus in Houston, Texas. The facility will be ABB’s first dedicated healthcare research center when it opens in October 2019. ABB’s research team will work on the TMC campus with…
Automate/ProMat 2019: 10 takeaways for robotics developers
Collaborative robots, mobile platforms, and the enabling hardware and software were all on display at Automate/ProMat, but what was new and noteworthy?
Robotics investments recap: March 2019
Investments in robots, autonomous vehicles, and related systems totaled at least $1.3 billion in March 2019, down from $4.3 billion in February. On the other hand, automation companies reported $7.8 billion in mergers and acquisitions last month. While that may represent a slowdown, note that many businesses did not specify the amounts involved in their…
MIT robot combines vision and touch to learn the game of Jenga
In the basement of MIT’s Building 3, a robot is carefully contemplating its next move. It gently pokes at a tower of blocks, looking for the best block to extract without toppling the tower, in a solitary, slow-moving, yet surprisingly agile game of Jenga. The robot, developed by MIT engineers, is equipped with a soft-pronged…
ABB YuMi cobot helps Dutch manufacturer stay competitive
Collaborative robots can help small and mid-size enterprises stay competitive, providing the benefits of industrial automation but with greater ease of use, affordability, and flexibility. Dutch manufacturer DEONET is an example of how robots that work alongside people can boost quality and productivity. DEONET was founded 25 years ago and is based in the technology…
Soft Robotics Gripper Helps Micron Products Cut Costs, Maintain Quality
Micron Products, a wholly owned subsidiary of Micron Solutions Inc., is a contract manufacturer in Fitchburg, Mass. that specializes in precision machining, thermoplastic injection molding, mold making and more. To reduce costs and improve quality, Micron wanted to automate the pick and place process of the delicate plastic clips it produces for a car seat…
Universal Logic Announces New Neocortex DIY Software
Universal Logic has announced a new version of its signature Neocortex artificial intelligence product designed for do-it-yourself engineers. Neocortex DIY software allows engineers to configure and deploy AI-based robot cells for variable picking in both manufacturing and consumer products supply chains. Based on the Neocortex platform, Neocortex DIY extends perception, directs grasping, and guides robots,…
ABB acquiring AB Rotech to bolster automotive robotic welding
ABB is to acquire AB Rotech, a privately-owned company headquartered in Bursa, Turkey. AB Rotech has about 20 years of experience in robotic welding solutions and services for the automotive industry. The acquisition will boost ABB’s robotic welding solutions for all tiers in the growing automotive segment. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.…
OmniCore digital robot control from ABB boosts flexibility and reliability
Now a new ABB OmniCore robot controller offers tailored control for high-performance applications and seamless digitalization on the factory floor. The controller is flexible enough to serve in robot installations that output high-mix low-volume products 24/7. The ABB OmniCore controls deliver high path accuracy for top throughput and minimized cycle times. Plus OmniCore controls allow flexibility…
ABB Foundry Prime robot reduces maintenance costs 60%
The third-generation ABB Foundry Prime robot (called the IRB 6790) is designed to withstand high-pressure waterjet cleaning applications and harsh industrial environments with 100% humidity. Different parts can be cleaned in the same cell with zero changeover time. The ABB Foundry Prime robot is IP69-rated for superior protection from water and dust … and reduces…
Robot race of small industrial robots heats up at Automatica 2018
A FANUC industrial robot nonchalantly lifts a BMW SUV high into the air at Automatica 2018 – safely out of harms way, of course. Meanwhile, small industrial robots that fit in a backpack also wow attendees by performing precision tasks that are, let’s say, less exciting. It’s quite a contrast to see. ABB, Denso, Mecademic…
ABCO Automation Joins ABB Value Provider Program
ABCO Automation, a Browns Summit, N.C.-based designer and builder of high-end factory automation systems, announces the signing of an authorized Value Provider Program (VPP) agreement with ABB, a technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation, and power grids. VPP is a global third-party channel program for panel builders, installers, machine builders, original…
Robotics exec: China may not be the only leader in robots
China may be a robotics hotspot now, but the CEO of one of the largest robotics companies in the world says its U.S. investment was a good move. Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO of Swedish-Swiss automation giant ABB (VTX:ABBN), said last week that the firm’s investment in the U.S. robotics market is returning dividends, CNBC reported. “You look…
ABB acquires GE Industrial Solutions for $2.6b
ABB acquired the industrial solutions unit of General Electric today for $2.6 billion in a move that will help ABB expand its hold in the North American market, the company announced. “With GE Industrial Solutions, we strengthen our Number 2 position in electrification globally and expand our access to the attractive North American market,” ABB…
GE to sell industrial solutions unit to ABB
General Electric is close to a deal to sell its industrial solutions unit to ABB Ltd at a value of $2.5 billion to $3 billion, Bloomberg reported. The companies are expected to announce the final agreement next week, though neither has publicly commented on the deal. However, the agreement could still be delayed or fall…
ABB Ltd. to double China robotics production
ABB Ltd. is set to double its robot production capacity in China by increasing the number of research employees in the country, according to CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. The decision comes as ABB is jockeying with competing robotics companies Kuka AG and Fanuc for share in China’s $11 billion robotics industry. “ABB is ahead of Kuka…
ABB to expand Michigan-based factory
Swiss company ABB plans to expand its industrial robot factory in Auburn Hills, Mich., CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer told Reuters this week. He did not comment on new jobs or investments associated with the expansion. The facility, which was first announced in 2015, produced its first robot in March and currently employs about 1,000 people. ABB…